Authorities investigating plane crash

Now that authorities have found the experimental plane that crashed off the coast of San Pedro and killed its Huntington Beach pilot, investigators are turning their attention to retrieving it from the ocean and determining the cause of the accident.

The pilot, David Hermance, was known as “the American father of the Prius,” his colleagues at Toyota told the Los Angeles Times. The executive engineer was said to be instrumental in the development and promotion of the second-generation of the hybrid vehicle. He was killed when the small plane crashed Saturday, authorities said.

Hermance departed from the Long Beach Airport Saturday afternoon, according to Los Angeles County firefighters.

At about 1:20 p.m. a lifeguard saw the plane crash into the water off the coast near White Point, and immediately called for assistance, Fire Capt. Mark Savage said.

Hermance’s body was found near where the plane hit the water. The wreckage sunk by the time rescue crews reached that area, and apparently the body was thrown from the plane after impact, Savage said.

Rescue workers found the plane at about 9:20 a.m. Sunday.

Los Angeles County emergency workers plan to retrieve the wreckage on Thursday, Savage said.

Air-bags attached to the plane will bring it to the surface of the water where it can be taken to shore and then towed for investigation, Savage said.

Hermance’s family was still planning funeral services Monday.